BoatUS Foundation’s Emergency
Beacon
Rental Program
Wins Motor Boating Magazine’s
“Best Of The Year” Award
The BoatUS Foundation’s EPIRB Rental Program which gives offshore
boaters an affordable and reliable way to get emergency assistance
was honored by Motor Boating magazine with a “Best of the Year” award.
“Motor Boating magazine editors select the absolute best, the
top, the true innovations of the year,” said Editorial Director
Peter Janssen. “The awards celebrate all of the elements of the
boating life, and it’s my pleasure to congratulate the BoatUS
Foundation,” he added. EPIRB Program Manager David Carter accepted
the award on behalf of the Foundation at a ceremony today in conjunction
with Miami International Boat Show.
As a public service the BoatUS Foundation rents
the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons for a nominal weekly
rate to boaters who may have an occasional need for the expensive
device which can cost up to $1,000. Once activated - either automatically
when entering the water or by pulling a lanyard manually – the
beacon gives rescuers an exact location of a vessel in distress.
“Since 1997, our EPIRBs have played a role in saving 49 people
during 21 activations,” said Carter. “This service enables
boaters to inexpensively increase their margin of safety without making
a big financial commitment and is something no offshore boater can
afford to be without.”
Reservations for the 406MHz EPIRBs can be requested through an online
form at http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/EPIRB or boaters can also
call 888-66-EPIRB between noon and 5 PM EST. During the peak season
- May through August - EPIRBs may not be available on short notice
so reservations (taken up to six months in advance) are recommended.
The 2007 rental fee is $40 per week, plus shipping. EPIRBs are not
available at BoatUS or West Marine stores, but are shipped directly
to the renter anywhere within the Continental US. The Program is funded
by the voluntary contributions of 670,000 BoatU.S. members.
